Las Vegas Weekly

June 25, 2009 · 3:48 PM

R.I.P., Michael (1958-2009)

By Robin Leach

Michael Jackson and Robin Leach pose for the photogs.

Photo: TVT

We at Vegas DeLuxe are in shock alongside the world at the King of Pop's death from a heart attack in Los Angeles. Our hearts have been saddened twice today after the passing of Farrah Fawcett (1947-2009), as well, after her long battle with cancer. Michael was 50, and Farrah was 62. Our heartfelt and sincerest condolences to their families and friends.

Incidentally, The O2 Arena in London where Michael was set to kick off a run of This Is It shows next month celebrated its second anniversary yesterday. From a story yesterday:

The O2 celebrated its second anniversary yesterday, and in that time it has been transformed from London's biggest white elephant to one of the world's most iconic buildings.

That winning formula is set to peak when Michael Jackson's 50 dates at the arena begin next month. It means owner and operator AEG Europe has seen its $350 million investment rewarded with The O2 now officially the world's most popular music venue.

David Campbell, chief executive and chairman of AEG Europe, talked about its success.

The biggest buzz this summer is the return of Michael Jackson to live performance. The singer sold out 50 dates at The O2, although rumors persist he won't make it to the first show July 13. Mr. Campbell is confident he will.

He said: "I'm not worried about Michael in the slightest. We thought we'd get him, but we never thought it would be this quickly. We've been trying since we started.

"At the moment, they are rehearsing in the States, and everyone I've heard back from says it's all great. There will be a lot of surprises to blow people away. He was the King of Pop, and he will come back and show people why."

Jackson appeared at a short and slightly surreal press conference in March to announce the shows, and Mr. Campbell was there to meet him.

He said: "Even now, people come up to me and say it wasn't him, it was a lookalike.

"Michael was totally lucid, totally together, very focused. We didn't ask him to do 10 press ups, but he also looked very fit. I had a chat with him, and he was great. He was nervous like anyone else.

"Jackson will be big beyond big. We could have sold 120 shows if we had been able to fulfill every ticket request."

Click HERE for the story of Michael's shocking death today.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

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